“We’re teaching people to be unit leaders," Meyer said, according to Chris Vannini of 247 Sports. "We’ve got a systematic approach to how we’re going to fix this thing. It’s not broke. We didn’t finish The Chase.”

Should Ohio State fans expect another title run this season?

Last year, Ohio State marched its way to Indianapolis unscathed—fueled by a weak schedule, a veteran offensive line and the bullish abilities of Carlos Hyde.

None of those advantages will be available in 2014.

The Buckeyes' did catch a few breaks on their schedule. The Big Ten's realigned divisions take effect this season, and Ohio State won't have to play Wisconsin, Nebraska or Iowa—three of the top teams from the West.

That could change if the Buckeyes were to meet one of those squads in the Big Ten title game. To do that, they'll have to navigate a conference slate that includes road games against Penn State and Michigan State. Then, of course, there's the season finale against Michigan in Columbus.

Ohio State will also have to overcome a much stronger nonconference schedule. The Buckeyes open the season in Baltimore against Navy before coming home to host Virginia Tech, Kent State and Cincinnati in consecutive weeks. Bleacher Report's Brian Leigh ranks Ohio State's nonconference slate the fourth toughest in the country.

The Buckeyes will attack that schedule without the heart and soul of last year's team.

Meyer is still scraping the pieces together to replace four senior starters along the offensive line. The Buckeyes have a deep stable of running backs—Ezekiel Elliott is primed for a breakout season—but they'll miss the steady production of Hyde, who put up historic numbers despite starting the year with a three-game suspension.

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

But Ohio State could be strong where it was weak last year.

Meyer brought in co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash to overhaul the Buckeyes' much-maligned secondary. Ohio State gave up an average of 268 passing yards per game, ranking 110th in the country, which ultimately cost the Buckeyes a chance to play Florida State in the national title.